Hebrews 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
cause
G1223
διὰ
cause
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 26
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
διαθήκῃ
testament
G1242
διαθήκῃ
testament
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
4 of 26
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
καινῆς
of the new
G2537
καινῆς
of the new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
5 of 26
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
μεσίτης
the mediator
G3316
μεσίτης
the mediator
Strong's:
G3316
Word #:
6 of 26
a go-between, i.e., (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor)
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
8 of 26
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
θανάτου
of death
G2288
θανάτου
of death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
9 of 26
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
γενομένου
by means
G1096
γενομένου
by means
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 26
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀπολύτρωσιν
the redemption
G629
ἀπολύτρωσιν
the redemption
Strong's:
G629
Word #:
12 of 26
(the act) ransom in full, i.e., (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) christian salvation
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
that were under
G1909
ἐπὶ
that were under
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
14 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαθήκῃ
testament
G1242
διαθήκῃ
testament
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
17 of 26
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαγγελίαν
the promise
G1860
ἐπαγγελίαν
the promise
Strong's:
G1860
Word #:
20 of 26
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
λάβωσιν
might receive
G2983
λάβωσιν
might receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
21 of 26
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεκλημένοι
they which are called
G2564
κεκλημένοι
they which are called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
23 of 26
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Romans 8:30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.Hebrews 9:12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;Hebrews 12:24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.Hebrews 7:22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Romans 5:6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Historical Context
OT believers looked forward in faith to God's promised redemption; NT believers look back to the accomplished redemption in Christ. The same sacrifice saves both, demonstrating the unity of God's redemptive purpose throughout history.
Questions for Reflection
- How were Old Testament believers saved if Christ hadn't yet died?
- What does the unity of salvation across both testaments teach about God's eternal plan?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ is 'the Mediator of the new covenant' so that those called 'may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.' This required His death 'for the redemption of transgressions under the first covenant.' Even OT believers were saved by Christ's sacrifice - it had retroactive effect. Reformed covenant theology sees essential unity in the way of salvation across testaments (by grace through faith in Christ) while recognizing progressive revelation and administration.